Montréal 2018

Constance V. Pathy

Founder

MISQA

It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of pride that I announce the 2018 edition of the McGill International String Quartet Academy (MISQA) - enthusiasm, since I consider string quartet playing one of the highest forms of music making and a sense of pride since my alma mater, McGill University and its Schulich School of Music are achieving a high degree of proficiency in the formation of young string quartets.

String quartet playing demands great discipline, great sensitivity, and great teamwork, qualities that can stand one in good stead throughout life. As a string player and participant in many quartets myself, this repertoire has expanded my horizons beyond belief.

Therefore, I am doubly gratified to offer these young musicians an opportunity to work with international masters, who will share their knowledge and experience of this great tradition.

The Schulich School of Music has sustained extraordinary growth in the last ten years thanks to the foresight and outstanding leadership of its leaders and Professor André Roy, who is an inspiration to all his students. May the String Quartet Academy grow and flourish in the same manner.

André J. Roy

General and Artistic Director

MISQA

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the 2018 edition of the McGill International String Quartet Academy (MISQA).

String Quartet playing is widely regarded as the pinnacle of musical creation, performance, and thought. In fact, it could be argued that no other chamber ensemble demands so much of its composers, players, and listeners. McGill’s Schulich School of Music has distinguished itself as a leader in this field, both on the national and international stage through the work of its students and staff.

Thanks to the outstanding generosity of Madame Constance Pathy, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate this pursuit of excellence by offering intensive training and coaching to the next generation of young artists in this field.

At the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, we have an important responsibility to teach, mentor and enrich the lives of our students, and consider it vital to nurture special events, such as MISQA, that will engage, entertain and transform our evolving student community.

Suzanne Fortier

Principal and Vice-Chancellor

McGill University

Of all the special spots on McGill's campuses, and there are many, the Schulich School of Music is where I go when I want a big, pure dose of joy.

As a music-lover, I can always count on our talented students and teachers to enrich my soul and buoy my spirits. As a chemist, I cannot help but think of the annual McGill International String Quartet Academy as a particularly perfect example of a happiness delivery system.

How wonderful it is for Montreal audiences to hear some of the world's best string quartets perform on McGill’s stages. MISQA is also an incredible opportunity for young players to be mentored by top talents—and what a special way to connect McGill with the international music community.

This year marks the academy’s ninth anniversary. Whether you’re a MISQA veteran or a newcomer, I hope you can join us for what I am sure will be another magical year.

Brenda Ravenscroft

Dean

Schulich School of Music of McGill University

I am pleased to welcome the 2018 edition of the McGill International String Quartet Academy to the Schulich School of Music. As I start my second year as Dean of the School, I am delighted to once again have the opportunity to experience this celebration of chamber music, and look forward to meeting both musicians and audience members.

Mentorship and collaboration among leading international professionals and student quartets provides an exceptional learning experience, as well as providing outstanding performances for the Montreal community.

Thanks to our patron, Mme Constance Pathy, we are able to host some of the finest coaches, quartets, and string students from around the world. We hope this unique occasion will inspire students in their continuing pursuit of artistic excellence.

Best wishes to the Academy and to all of our visitors. May your time at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University be as rewarding for you as your presence is to us.